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CATECHISM 



ON THB 



MORNING AND EVENING SERVICE 



OF THE 



BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 

PREPARED FOR THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF 
GRACE CHURCH, JAMAICA, L. I. 

BY 

PHEBE HAGNER. 

APPROVED BY 

THE BISHOP OF LONQ ISLAND. 



^NEW YORK 



GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL 
UNION AND CHURCH BOOK SOCIE^^T^ 

713 BROADWAY. 
18 73. 

§ ^ ^ 



J LIERARY OF CONGRESS. 

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A 



UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



CATECHISM 



ON THE 



MORNING AND IV 




OB THE 



BOOK OF coiinnrmnrmr 



PREPARED FOR THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF 
GRACE CHURCH, JAMAICA. L. I. 

PHEBE HAGNER. 

APPROVED BY 

THE BISHOP OF LONG ISLAND. 



BEW YORK: 

GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL 
UNION AND CHURCH BOOK AoCIETY, 



713 BROADWAYp' . O 

18 73 \^}\o./^//]^ 







■^"■It 



Entered according to Act of Congress in (he year 1872, 

by the 

General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union and Church 

Book Society, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



The Claremont Manufacturing Co., 

STEREOTYPERS, PRINTERS AND BINDERS^ 

Claremont, N. H. 



PREFACE 



At the annual meeting of the Teachers of the Sunday 
School of Grace Church, Jamaica, L. I., held in Januaiy 
1872, it was decided to give, at the end of the year, a 
prize to the scholar who could pass the best examination 
on the Book of Common Prayer. The question then 
arose as to what book was to be used by the children, in 
obtaining their information. It was shortly after ascer- 
tained that there was no suitable book to be found. In 
order to give the necessary instruction to my own pupils, 
I began preparing the following catechism. This fact 
becoming known to the Superintendent, he requested it for 
the use of the other classes. I, therefore, showed it to the 
Bector of the parish, to ascertain if he would approve of 
its use in the school. He advised its publication, stating 
that what would be of use to us, would probably be of 
service to others also. This is my apology for its appear- 
ing in print. 

I cannot claim that there is much in it that is original. 
It is rather the gleanings from such works as were access- 
ible, combined with information received from my late 
beloved Kector, the Rev. Wm. L. Johnson, D. D., who, by 



IV PREFACE. 

his devotion to the Church, and truly reverential man- 
ner of reading the Service, had early implanted in me a 
strong love for our Liturgy. 

In preparing this work I have endeavored to keep free 
from all mooted questions and doctrinal mysteries, and 
have aimed to present a plain statement of facts — so that 
they who learn may understand. If this little book shall 
be the means of making our beautiful Service better 
understood, and therefore more highly appreciated, I 
Ehall feel amply repaid for my labor. 

P. H. 

Jamaica, July 11, 1872, 



►•♦- 



CATECHISM 

ON THE 

BOOK OF COMMO]^ PRAYEE. 



Q. From whence did the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in the United States of America get her 
Form of Prayer, or Liturgy, for public worship ? 

A. From the Church of England, to whom 
she " is indebted, under God, for her first founda- 
tion, and a long continuance of nursing care and 
protection." 

Q. How can Forms of Prayer be justified? 

A. Both by Scripture and the usage of the 
primitive Church. 

Q. Does the Old Testament sanction the use 
of precomposed forms of worship ? 

A. Yes. The Levites who were appointed by 
David " to stand every morning to thank the 
Lord, and also at even" must have used some set 
form in which they could all join. The book of 
Psalms was indited, by the Holy Ghost, as a 
form of Prayer and Praise for the use of the con- 



6 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

gregation. And in the expiation of an uncer- 
tain murder, the elders of the city which was next 
to the slain, were expressly commanded to say, 
and consequently to join in saying, a Form of 
Prayer precomposed by God Himself. 

Q. Are they sanctioned in the New Testa- 
ment ? 

A. Yes. Our Saviour, by joining in the 
worship of the Jewish Church, and also by giving 
to His disciples the Lord's Prayer, has testified, in 
the strongest manner, His approval of a set Form 
of Prayer. 

Q. What proof have we that Forms of Prayer 
were used in the primitive Church? 

A. In the writings of the earliest Fathers the 
expressions " common prayers" and ^'constituted 
prayers'' occur, making it evident that they had a 
set form. 

Q. Mention some of the advantages of having 
a set form of prayer. 

A. It serves as a standard of faith and practice^ 
impressing on both minister and people, at every 
performance of Divine Worship, the important 
doctrines and duties of the Gospel. It renders 
the Service more animating by uniting the people 
with the rainister in worshiping God. It also pre- 
vents the particular opinions of the minister from 
influencing the devotion of the congregation. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 7 

Q. How long has the present Form been used 
5n the Church of England ? 

A. The Liturgy was arranged in its present 
order by that Convocation which finished its work 
on Friday, Dec. 20th, 1661. The Royal assent 
was given to it, May 19th, 1662, 

Q. When was it first used in Divine Service ? 

A. August 24th, 1662. 

Q. Was it new at that time ? 

A. No ; it was only a revision of the Prayer 
Books which were set forth during the reigns of 
Henry the Eighth, and Edward the Sixth ; and 
these books had been compiled out of ancient Lit- 
urgies. 

Q. When was it revised in this country ? 

A. In 1785 and 1789. 

Q. When was it ratified by Convention ? 

A. Oct. 16th, 1789, and it has been used since 
Oct. 1st, 1790. 

Q. What alterations were then made ? 

A. Chiefly such as were necessary to accom- 
modate it to the changes in the country, caused 
by the American Revolution. 

Q. What is the name of the form which we 
use? 

A. Common Prayer. 

Q. Why is it called Common Prayer ? 



3 CATECHISM ON THE MOKXING SERVICE 

A. Because it is used by both minister and 
people, and is suitable for persons in every condi- 
tion of life. 



MOENING PRAYER. 

Q. What is the first Service in the Book of 
Common Prayer ? 

A. The Order for Daily Morning Prayer. 

Q. When is it to be used ? 

A. Whenever the church is open for Divine 
Service in the morning. 

Q. What are those sentences printed in italics 
called ? 

A. Rubrics. 

Q. What are they ? 

A. Rules, directing how the Service is to be 
conducted. 

Q. Why are they called rubrics ? 

A. From the Latin word ruber, which means 
red ; these sentences being formerly printed in 
red ink for the sake of distinction. 

Q. What is the first rubric ? 

A. **The Minister shall begin the Morning 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 9 

Prayer, by reading one or more of the following 
sentences of Scripture/' 

Q. What is the object of these sentences? 

A. To prepare our minds for the Service which 
is to follow. 

Q. How should we regard them ? 

A. As the words of God addressed to us by 
His ambassador. 

Q. What is the posture of minister and 
people ? 

A. Standing. 

Q. What does this imply ? 

A. Reverence for the word of God now 
addressed to us, to awaken us to repentance. 

Q. When were the first three of these sen- 
tences, placed at the beginning of the Service ? 

A. At the revision of the Prayer Book, in thia 
country. 

Q. When were the other sentences selected ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Then the Minister shall say." 

Q. What is this part of the Service called? 

A. The Exhortation, 

Q. When was the Exhortation written ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. What is it a comment upon ? 



10 CATECHISM ON THE MORNINa SERVICE 

A. The texts which precede it 

Q. What is the nature and office of the Ex- 
hortation ? 

A. It is a direct appeal to men's hearts and 
consciences on the necessity of confessing their 
sins with sincere purpose of amendment. 

Q. Why is it proper for the minister to ad- 
dress the people as brethren ? 

A. Because it is the language of Scripture, 
'' One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are 
brethren^' 

Q. In what SQUse are we brethren ? 

A. As being the children of God, by adop- 
tion. 

Q. Why should he say " Dearly beloved" ? 

A. Because we are taught of God to love one 
another. 

Q. What is the distinction between praise and 
thanksgiving ? 

A. Praise has reference to what God is in 
Himself; thanksgiving refers to what He is to us. 

Q, What is Praise ? 

A. It is the expression of adoration in lan- 
guage. 

Q. What is Thanksgiving ? 

A. The expression of our gratitu<le for mer- 
cies received. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 11 

Q. Why is one object of our meeting together 
** to hear God's most holy Word" ? 

A. Because the hearing of the Word is worship 
and not simply an accompaniment of worship. 

Q. What is meant by "to ask those things 
which are requisite and necessary, as well for the 
body as the soul ? " 

A. Direct application to the source of all 
goodness for the supply of our wants, and the re- 
lief of our necessities. 

Q. Why does the minister, at the conclusion 
of the Exhortation, beseech those who are present 
to accompany him in the following confession ? 

A. Because there are none so holy as that 
they have no need to make it, and none so sinful 
but that they may be profited by using it. 



Q. What follows the Exhortation ? 

A. "A General Confession." 

Q What is the rubric? 

A "To be said by the whole Congregation, 
after the Minister, all kneeling." 

Q. What reason is there that we should be- 
gin with confession? 



12 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. As we are about to worship God we 
should confess our past sins and ask His forgive- 
ness. 

Q. By whom is the Confession to be said ? 

A. " By the whole Congregation." 

Q. What is the proper posture ? 

A. Kneeling. 

Q. What does the posture of kneeling imply? 

A. Inward humility. 

Q. What feelings is the title of " Almighty" 
calculated to inspire in us? 

A. Those of reverence and awe. 

Q. How should the expression "Most mer- 
ciful Father" affect us ? 

A. It should fill our hearts with gratitude and 
love. 

Q. In what respect is God our Father ? 

A. As the Author and Preserver of our being, 
and also as our Father by redemption. 

Q. Upon what passages of Scripture is the sen- 
tence " We have erred, and strayed from Thy 
ways like lost sheep," founded ? 

A. Ps. cxix. 176, and Isaiah liii. 6. 

Q. What does this and the next sentence 
mean ? 

A. That the ways of God, from which we 
have strayed, lead to life eternal ; and our own 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 13 

way, which we have followed, is the broaa path 
which leads to destruction. 

Q. To what passages of Scripture does the sen- 
tence '' We have offended against Thy holy laws" 
refer ? 

A. 1 John i. 8 ; Rom. iii. 23. and Eccl. vii. 
20. 

Q. To what sins does the next sentence refer? 

A. Those of omission and of commission. 

Q. What are sins of omission ? 

A. Willfully to omit the performance of what 
God has positively required of us. 

Q. What are sins of commission ? 

A. Doing what God has expressly forbidden. 

Q. What do we mean by " There is no health 
in us"? 

A. That we are " fai' gone from original right- 
eousness" and have no power to help ourselves. 

Q. What do we mean by " But Thou, O Lord, 
have mercy upon us, miserable offenders" ? 

A. In these words we deplore the divine wrath 
which we have deserved, and supplicate the di- 
vine mercy which we need. 

Q. What scriptural warrant have we for say- 
ing " Spare Thou those, O God, who confess their 
faults"? 

A. 1 John i. 9, and Prov. xxviii. 13. 



14 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. For what do we pray in the petition *^ Ee- 
store Thou those who are penitent" ? 

A. For such a renoyation as may " make us 
meet to be partakers of the Saints in light/' 

Q. Through whom do we have access to the 
Father. 

A. Through " Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Q. What is the meaning of " godly" ? 

A. Exercising all piety and devotion in our 
services towards God. 

Q. What is the meaning of " righteously" ? 

A. In all honesty, fidelity and charity with 
our neighbor. 

Q. What is the meaning of " soberly" ? 

A. Governing ourselves with all temperance, 
modesty, and humility. 

Q. In what way should we confess our sins ? 

A. " With an humble, lowly, penitent and 
obedient heart." 

Q. To what end ? 

A. *' That we may obtain forgiveness of the 
same, by God's infinite goodness and mercy." 

Q. When was this Confession placed in the 
Prayer Book ? 

A. In 1651. 

Q. Why do we call it a "General Confes- 
sion"? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 15 

A. Because it is joint and public in opposition 
to that which is solitary and private. 

Q. What does the word " Amen" mean ? 

A. It is originally Hebrew and signifies " so 
be it." 

Q. In what letters is the word printed here ? 

A. In Roman letters. 

Q. How is it printed in most other places? 

A In Italics. 

Q. Why is it printed differently ? 

A. In those parts of the Service in which the 
minister and people unite in saying the whole, as 
in the Confession, the word " amen'' is printed in 
Roman letters, and the minister should unite 
with the people in saying it ; and in cases where 
it is the response of the people to what the minis- 
ter says alone, it is printed in italics. 

Q. When was this arrangement made? 

A. At the General Convention of 1835. 



"gmm |ottrtto< 



Q. What follows the Confession ? 
A. " The Declaration of Absolution or Remis- 
sion of Sins." 

Q. What is the rubric ? 



16 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. " To be made by the Priest alone, stand- 
ing ; tbe People still kneeling/' 

Q. Is there any Order of Ministers not al- 
lowed to read the Absolution? 

A. Yes, that of Deacons. 

Q. Why cannot Deacons use it ? 

A. Because, in the Office of Ordination, the 
authority is conferred on the order of Priests and 
not on that of Deacons. 

Q. Can Bishops use it? 

A. Yes, for Bishops are also Priests. 

Q. When was the word Priest placed in this 
rubric ? 

A. At the Savoy Conference which met in 
1661. 

Q. What is to be the position of the Priest ? 

A. Standing. 

Q. What does the gesture of standing and 
turning to the congregation indicate? 

A. A message of God to His people by the 
mouth of His priest. 

Q. What does the attitude of kneeling on the 
part of the people imply ? 

A. The humility, contrition and reverence 
with which they ought to receive the gracious mes- 
sage of pardon to the penitent. 

Q. What is the character of this Absolution ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 17 

A. Declaratory. 

Q. What is the Absolution ? 

A. It is a solemn notice of pardon, by a per- 
son duly authorized and commissioned to publish 
it, to " all who truly repent and unfeignedly be- 
lieve the Holy Gospel." 

Q. Does the Absolution savor of Eomish su- 
perstition ? 

A. On the contrary it was leveled against 
the doctrines of Popery. 

Q. What difference is there between the Po- 
pish Absolution and ours ? 

A. The Popish absolutions are given in private, 
separately, to each particular person; postive- 
ly, and without any reservation or condition ; in 
the name of the Priest alone, and by his author- 
ity as derived from St. Peter. Our absolution is 
given in public, to the whole congregation at 
once ; on the condition that they are truly peni- 
tent; and solely in the name and by the author- 
ity of God. 

Q. When was this form composed ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. What is the character of the second form 
of Absolution ? 

A. Petitionary. 

Q. From what Liturgy is it taken ? 



18 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. From the Liturgy of the Greek Church. 

Q. When does the Church of England use 
this form ? 

A. In the Communion Service, only. 

Q. "What does the rubric direct the people to 
answer at the end of every prayer ? 

A. " Amen/' 



Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Then the Mmister shall kneel, and say 
the Lord's Prayer ; the people still kneeling, and 
repeating it with him, both here, and wheresoever 
else it is used in Divine Service.'^ 

Q. '\^ hy is this called the Lord's Prayer ? 

A. Because it was given to us by the Lord 
Jesus Himself. 

Q. By whom is it to be said ? 

A. By the whole Congregation. 

Q. What is the proper posture? 

A. Kneeling. 

Q. Where is this prayer recorded in the Bi- 
ble? 

A. St. Matt vi. 9-13, and St. Luke xi. 2-4. 

Q. What directions did our Saviour give in 
reference to this prayer ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 19 

A. At the time He gave it, as recorded by 
St. Matt., He said " After this manner therefore 
pray ye." He afterwards gave it to His disciples, 
as recorded by St. Luke, and then He said "When 
ye pray, say." 

Q. Was this a new form when our Saviour 
gave it to the disciples ? 

A. No, there Avas one in the Jewish Liturgy 
very much like it. 

Q. Repeat the one in the Jewish Liturgy. 

A. " Our Father, which art in Heaven, be 
gracious unto us ; O Lord, our God, hallowed be 
Thy name, and let the rememberance of Thee be 
glorified in heaven above, and upon earth here 
below ! Let Thy kingdom reign over us, now and 
for ever! The holy men of old said, remit and 
forgive unto all men whatsoever they have done 
against me ! And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from the evil thing ! For Thine is the 
kingdom, and Thou shalt reign in glory for ever 
and for evermore ! " 

Q. What feelings should we lay aside before 
using this prayer ? 

A. All envy, malice, and unbelief. 

Q. What feelings should the expression " Our 
Father " inspire in oiu: hearts ? 

A. Perfect charity towards all men, especially 
those of the " household of faith." 



20 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. Why do we say " Our Father Who art in 
Heaven V 

A. Because there He has His fixe 1 throne; 
there He unveils His divine Majesty, and reigns 
ill the brightness of His glory. 

Q. What is meant by " Hallowed be Thy 
Xame"? 

A. That all that relates to God may be kept 
holy. 

Q. What is meant by " Thy kingdom come"? 

A. That He ^^ill fully establish His Church 
upon earth ; that He will reign in our hearts, 
and hasten the time when all shall know Him 
from *^ the least unto the greatest." 

Q. What is meant by *' Thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in Heaven '' ? 

A. That God's will may be obeyed cheerfully 
and universally. 

Q. What is meant by " Give us this day our 
daily bread"? 

A. That God " will send us all things need- 
ful for our souls and bodies." 

Q. What is meant by "And forgive us our 
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass 
against us" ? 

A. That He will be merciful unto us and for- 
give us our sins. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 21 

Q. What does the particle " and'^ denote at 
the beginning of this sentence ? 

A. The intimate connection of this petition 
with the preceding one. 

Q. What is the connection between the two ? 

A. Our daily bread can afford us no comfort, 
if we are living in the guilt of unforgiven sin. 

Q. What is meant by '' And lead us not into 
temptation " ? 

A. " That it will please Him to save and de- 
fend us in all danger both of soul and body." 

Q. What does the word tempt mean ? 

A. To try. 

Q. In what respect can it be said that God 
tempts us ? 

A. In that He permits us to be tried. 

Q. What is meant by "But deliver us from 
evil" ? 

A. " That God will keep us from all sin and 
wickedness, and from our spiritual enemy, and 
from everlasting death." 

Q. What is the concluding part of the prayer 
called ? 

A. The doxology. 

Q. AVhat does doxology mean ? 

A. An ascription of praise to God. 

Q. Why is it not always annexed to the 
Lord's Prayer ? 



22 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. Because where this prayer is recorded in 
the Bible, in one place il concludes with the dox- 
ology, and in the other it does not. 

Q. How is the *' amen'' primed at the close ot 
this prayer ? 

A. In Roman letters. 

Q. How did the Service of the Church of 
England begin previous to ihe Relormation? 

A. With the Lord 8 Prayer 

Q. Why was ihe preceding part of the Ser- 
vice introduced ? 

A, Because it was thought better not to ap- 
proach God as '*Our Father" until we had con 
iessed our sins and asked His pardon. 

Q. Why does not ihe Lord's Prayer conclude 
as our other prayers do, in the name of Christ ? 

A. As we then use the very words ol Jesus it 
is unnecessary to use His name. 



Q. What is the next rubric? 

A. ^' Then likewise he t^hall say/* 

Q. What are these sentences called? 

A. Responses. 

q, Why*/ 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 23 

A. Because the minister reads one sentence 
and the people respond. 

Q. How long have responses been used in 
public worship? 

A. This practice was common in the Jewish 
Church, and was established by ** the ordinance 
of David ;'' and was adopted in the early Chris- 
tian Church. 

Q. How should the people read the parts as- 
signed to them ? 

A. Audibly, and reverently. 

Q. Where are these versicles taken from? 

A. Ps. li. 15. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Here, all standing up, the Minister shall 

say/' 

Q. Why should we stand ? 

A. Because it is the proper attitude for praise. 

Q. What is this hymn called ? 

A. Gloria Patri. 

Q. Why is it so called ? 

A. From the first two words in Latin, which 
mean '* Glory be to the Father.'' 

Q. On what is this hymn founded ? 

A. On the form used in the administration of 
baptism, and the Creed. 

Q. What is the earliest instance on record of 
this hymn's being used ? 



24 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. When Polycarp was suffering martyrdom 
a doxology similar to our Gloria Patri formed 
the conclusion of his dying prayer. 

Q. Of what place was Polycarp bishop ? 

A. Of Smyrna, and was consecrated by St. 
John the Evangelist. 

Q. How is the Doxology of the ancient Lit- 
urgies, and of the Greek Church worded ? 

A. " Glory be to tlie Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost, now and ever, world 
without end.'' 

Q. By whom were the words " As it was in 
the beginning" added ? 

A. By the Western Church. 

Q. For what reason ? 

A. To oppose the heresy of the Arians, who 
said, there was a beginning of time before Christ 
had any beginning. 

Q. When were they added? 

A. Shortly after the Council of Nice. 

Q. What may the next versicles be called ? 

A. An Alleluia response. 

Q. What does " Alleluia" mean ? 

A. It is a Hebrew Avord, meaning, Praise yo 
the Lord. 

Q. AVhat is the next rubric ? 

A. '* Then shall be said or sung the following 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 25 

Anthem; except on those days for which othef 
Anthems are appointed ; and except also, when it 
is used in the course of the Psalms on the nine- 
teenth da}'' of the month. 

Q. What is this Anthem called ? 

A. The Veaite. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because in the Latin translation the first 
word of this Psalm is *' Venite" which in our lan- 
guage means " come." 

Q. How is this psalm used in our Church ? 

A. As an introduction to the psalms in gen- 
eral. 

Q. Is our Church the first Christian Church 
which has used this psalm in its Liturgy ? 

A. No, it occurs in the Liturgies ascribed to 
Basil, and Chrysostom, and it was used in the 
Western Church. 

Q. What does this psalm first call upon us to 
do? 

A. To praise God on account of His infinite 
power, which extends to all places and to all 
creatures. 

Q. What next? 

A, To pray to Him as our Protector Who ex- 
ercises the same care over us as a shepherd over 
his sheep. 



26 CATECHJSM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. What is usually sung at the end of the 
Anthem ? 

A. The Gloria Patri. 



Q. What does the rubric say shall then fol- 
low ? 

A. ** A Portion of the Psalms, as they are ap- 
pointed, or one of the Selections of Psalms set 
forth by this Church." 

Q. What is the book of Psalms ? 

A. A collection of sacred hymns composed by 
devout members of the Jewish Church, for the 
purpose of praising God. 

Q. Why are they called the '* Psalms of Da- 
vid"? 

A. Because most of them were composed by 
him. 

Q. By whom were some of the others com- 
posed ? 

A. Asaph, Ethan, Heman, Moses, and Sol- 
omon. 

Q. Why do the Psalms in the Prayer Book 
differ from those in the Bible? 

A. Those in the Prayer Book are taken from 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 27 

a former translation of the Bible into the English 
language. 

Q. When was this translation made? 

A. In 1535. 

Q. By whom? 

A. By Tyndal and Coverdale, and afterwards 
revised by Arch-bishop Cranmer. 

Q. When was the present translation of the 
Bible made ? 

A. In 1611. 

Q. What other parts of our Service are taken 
from the earlier translation? 

A. The Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Command- 
ments. 

Q. How often does our Church appoint the 
Book of Psalms to be read through ? 

A. Once a month. 

Q. When '' May'' the Gloria Patri be sung ? 

A. " At the end of every Psalm, and likewise 
at the end of the Venite, Benedicite, Jubilate, Ben- 
edictus, Cantate Domino, Bonum est confiteri, 
Deus misereatur, and Benedic, Anima mea/' 

Q. When " Shair either that or the '' Gloria 
in Excelsis" be sung? 

A. " At the end of the whole Portion, or Se- 
lection of Psalms for the day." 

Q. When do we generally use the "Gloria in 
Excelsis"? 



28 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. At the end of the Psalter in the Evening 
Service. 

Q. What does *' Gloria in Excelsis " mean ? 

A. Glory in the highest. 

Q. What is the Gloria in Excelsis also called ? 

A. The angelical hymn. 

Q. Why so? 

A. Because the first part of it is of heavenly 
original, being sung by the angels at our Sa- 
viour's birth. 

Q. Where is it recorded ? 

A. St. Luke ii. 14. 

Q. To whom is the latter part ascribed? 

A. To Telesphorus, about the year 139. 

Q. Where is the whole hymn to be found ? 

A. In the Apostolical Constitutions. 

Q. When was it established to be used in the 
Church Service? 

Q. About 1000 years ago by the 4th Council 
of Toledo. 

Q. What is the nature of tlie Gloria in Excel- 
sis? 

A. It is both a creed and hymn of the most 
exalted praise to the triune God. 

Q. How is the " amen" printed at the end of 
it? 

A. In Roman letters. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 29 

Q. What lesson is appoirited to be read, by 
the next rubric ? 

A. " The first Lesson." 

Q. Does the minister select the Lesson for 
himself? 

A. No. 

Q. Where is the Table of Lessons ? 

A. At the beginning of the Prayer Book. 

Q. How many lessons are read at Morning 
Prayer ? 

A. Two. 

Q. How many at Evening Prayer? 

A. Two. 

Q. Why should these Lessons be read at pub- 
lic worship ? 

A. Because one object of our meeting togeth- 
er in the house of God is "to liear His most holy 
Word." 

Q. Where is the first lesson taken from ? 

A. The Old Testament. 

Q. Where is the second lesson taken from ? 

A. The New Testament. 

Q. Why are they appointed to be read in 
that order? 

A. To show the harmony and connection that 
exist between the two covenants. 



80 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. How long has the reading of Scripture 
formed a part of the public worship of God ? 

A. It formed a part of the worship in the Jew- 
ish Church and was practiced in the Christian 
Church from the earliest ages. 

Q. Why should it form a part of public wor- 
ship ? 

A. Because the word of God is the rule of our 
duty, and that by w^hich we shall be judged at 
the last day. 

Q. What does the Minister say before begin- 
ning the Lesson ? 

A. " Here beginneth such a Chapter, or Verse 
of such a Chapter, of such a Boob." 

Q. What does he say after reading it ? 

A. " Here endeth the first, or the second Les- 
son." 

Q. What follows the reading of the first Les- 
son ? 

A. The " Te Deum laudamus." 

Q. What does " Te Deum laudamus" mean ? 

A. " We praise Thee, O God." 

Q. AVhen was the " Te Deum" comjDosed ? 

A. It is not exactly known, but a portion of 
it is quoted by St. Cyprian, A. D. 252. It was 
sung at the baptism of St. Augustine, and is said 
to have been composed by St. Ambrose. It was 
used in its jDresent form, in the fourth century. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 31 

Q. When was it introduced into the Services 
of the Church? 

A. In the sixth century. 

Q. Into how many parts may this hymn be 
divided ? 

A. Into three. 

Q. Of what does the first part consist ? 

A. Of the first nine versicles, and is an act of 
praise or an amplified Doxology. 

Q. Of what does the second part consist? 

A. Of the next ten versicles and is a confes- 
sion of the leading articles of the Christian Faith. 

Q. Of what does the third part consist ? 

A. Of the remaining ten versicles, and con- 
tains intercessions for the whole Church, and sup- 
plications for ourselves. 

Q. What does the word " Sabaoth" mean ? 

A. " Armies or hosts." 

Q. Why is not the Doxology sung at the 
cbseofthe"Te Deum"? 

A. Because the whole hymn is but an enlarged 
Doxology. 

Q. What can be used instead of the "Te 
Deum"? 

A. " The Benedicite." 

Q. What does "Benedicite" mean? 

A. It is a Latin word meaning " Bless ye/' 



32 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. Where is the '* Benedicite" taken from ? 

A. The Song of the Three Children. 

Q. Where is that ? 

A. In the Apochrypha. 

Q. Does it bear a resemblance to any of the 
Canonical Scriptures ? 

A. Yes, it is a paraphrase of the 148th Psalm. 

Q. How long has it been used in the Chris- 
tian Church ? 

A. From the earliest ages. 

Q. Was it used in divine worship previous to 
the time of our Saviour? 

A. Yes, it was used in the Jewish Church. 

Q. What is the character of this hymn ? 

A. It is an elegant summons of all God's 
works, to praise Him. 

Q. What Lesson does the next rubric direct 
to be read ? 

A. The second Lesson. 

Q. What follows the reading of this Lesson ? 

A. "The Jubilate." 

Q. What does " Jubliate" mean? 

A. " O be joyful.'' 

Q. What Psalm is this ? 

A. The 100th Psalm. 

Q. What is its Hebrew title ? 

A. " A psalm of praise." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 33 

Q By whom is it thought to have been com- 
posed ? 

A. By David, upon the occasion of a public 
thanksgiving. 

Q, AVhen was it sung by the Jewish Church ? 

A. At the oblation of the Peace OiFeriug, as 
the priest was entering into the temple. 

Q. Why is it suitable for us to sing it here ? 

A. We have just heard the Gospel of peace. 

Q. When was it added to our Morning 
Prayer ? 

A. In 1551. - 

Q. What may be used instead of this Psalm ? 

A. The " Benedictus.'' 

Q. What does " Benedictus" mean ? 

A. " Blessed." 

Q. From what part of the Bible is this hymn 
taken ? 

A. From St. Luke i. 68-71. 

Q. By whom was it composed ? 

A. By Zacharias under the inspiration of the 
Holy Ghost. 

Q. "Upon what occasion ? 

A. The circumcision of John the Baptist. 

Q. What is the subject of this hymn ? 

A. The covenant of grace in Jesus Christ. 

Q. Why is it proper to be used in this place ? 



34 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. The second Lesson is generally taken either 
from the Gospels or the Acts, and contains an ac- 
count of the great work of redemption and the 
words of this hymn afford us suitable expressions 
for blessing the name of God for this great mercy. 

Q. How long has this hymn been used in 
Divine Service ? 

A. Since 820. 



Q. What follows next in the Service? 

A. The Apostles' Creed. 

Q. What does the word "creed" mean ? 

A. It comes from the Latin wcrd credo, which 
means, "I believe." 

Q. Why is it called the Apostles' Creed? 

A. Because it contains the doctrines taught 
by the Apostles. 

Q. By whom is the Creed to be said? 

A. '' By the Minister and the People." 

Q. Why should every one repeat the Creed? 

A. Because every one must believe for himself, 
and ought to make the profession of his belief 
with his own mouth. 

Q. What is the proper posture ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 35 

A. '' Standiug." 

Q. What does this attitude import? 

A. That we are determined to defend and 
maintain the faith which we profess. 

Q. What is the first article of the Creed? 

A. " I believe in God the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth." 

Q. What does this imply? 

A. A belief in the omnipresence, and cease- 
less inspection of God. 

Q. Why do we say " Maker of heaven and 
earth"? 

A. Because that includes everything. 

Q. What is the second article of the Creed ? 

A. " And in Jesus Christ His only Son our 
Lord." 

Q. What does the name " Jesus" mean ? 

A. Saviour. 

Q. Why was it given to the Son of Mary ? 

A. Because he should " save His people from 
their sins." 

Q. What does the word " Christ" mean ? 

A. "Anointed/* 

Q. Why was it given to our Saviour ? 

A. Because He was anointed with the Spirit 
and with power. 

Q. Whose Son is Jesus ? 



36 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 



A 



God's only Son. 



Q. What is He to us ? 

A. Our Lord. 

Q. What does the word " Lord " mean ? 

A. " Master or Governor." 

Q. Is Jesus equal with the Father ? 

A. He is. 

Q. Why do we bow at the name of Jesus in 
the Creed? 

A. To show that we believe Him to be God. 

Q. When was this custom established ? 

A. At the Council of Bishops which met at 
the city of Nice in Asia Minor, (now Turkey in 
Asia), in the year 325. 

Q. What was the object of this Council? 

A. To denounce the Arian heresy which main- 
tained that Jesus was created, and denied that 
He was of the same substance with the Father. 

Q. Are there any sects which deny the proper 
divinity of Christ now ? 

A. Yes, the Unitarians. 

Q. Was the custom of bowing at the name of 
Jesus in the Creed observed in the early Church ? 

A. Yes, it was universally observed. 

Q. Does the Church of England approve of it ? 

A. Yes, by the eighteenth Canon of that 
Church it is prescribed as a testimonial of '' in- 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYEll. 3? 

ward humility, and a due acknowledgement, that 
the Lord Jesus Christ, the true eternal Son of 
God, is the only Saviour of the world, in Whom 
alone all the mercies, graces, and promises of 
God to mankind, for this life and the life to 
come, are fully and wholly comprised/' 



Q. Why is Jesus called the "only Son of 
God"? 

A. Because He is of the same nature with the 
Father, being " God Himself, blessed forever," 
jind on account of His miraculous conception by 
the Holy Ghost. 

Q. In what respect is He the Son of God ? 

A. He is strictly and properly the Son of God 
i 1 respect to both His divine and human nature. 

Q. In what respect is he the Son of Man ? 

A. By taking our nature upon Him, and be- 
ing born of the Virgin Mary. 

Q. What is the third article of the Creed ? 

A. " Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
Born of the Virgin Mary. 

Q. What Scriptural authority have we for 
saying He "was conceived by the Holy Ghost" ? 



38 CATECHISM ON THE MOENING SERVICE 

A. St. Luke i. 35. 

Q. Who was the Virgin Mary ? 

A. A Hebrew maiden, who was descended, in 
a direct line, from David. 

Q. Is the Virgin Mary an object of worship ? 

A. No. As the mother of our Saviour, she 
was declared by the angel to be " blessed among 
women,'' and should therefore be treated with 
respect but not adoration. 

Q. What is the fourth article of the Creed ? 

A. " Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was cru- 
cified, dead, and buried." 

Q. Who was Pontius Pilate ? 

A. The Governor, whom the Roman Emperor 
had placed over Judea. 

Q. Why is his name mentioned in the Creed ? 

A. That we may know when these events 
happened. 

Q. What is the fifth article of the Creed ? 
, A. " He descended into hell, The third day 
He rose from the dead." 

Q. What did the word " hell" mean originally ? 

A. A secret, invisible place. 

Q. What does it commonly mean now ? 

A. The place of extreme torment " prepared 
for the devil and his angels." 

Q. Does this article of the Creed teach us 
that our Saviour went into the place of torment ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PilAYER. 39 

A. No. 

Q. What is the meaning of this article ? 

A. That the soul of Jesus, immediately after 
its separation from His body, went into the invis- 
ible place of departed spirits, and remained there 
until it was reunited to His body at His resurrec- 
tion. 

Q. What Scriptural authority have we for 
this belief? 

A. Our Saviour said to the penitent thief, 
on the cross, " To-day shalt thou be with Me in 
paradise^ 

Q. What do we understand by " paradise '' ? 

A. The place where the " dead, which die in 
the Lord, rest from their labors." 

Q. What does the rubric permit the Minister 
to say in place of the words " He descended into 
heir'? 

A. " He went into the place of departed 
Spirits." ■ 

Q. W hat does this prove ? 

A. That the Church considers the two expres- 
sions to have the same meaning. 

Q. Why is this doctrine taught in the Greed ? 

A. For the purpose of declaring the actual 
separation of Christ's soul and body, in oppo- 
sition to those who asserted that the cruciiixion 
produced only a trance. 



40 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. What did His rising from the dead prove ? 

A That He was the Son of God. 

Q. What does it assure us of ? 

A. That we shall also rise again. 

Q. How was it proved that the same Jesus, 
who was crucified, and buried, really rose again ? 

A. By His remaining on earth forty days, and 
appearing to those who knew Him well before 
His crucifixion. 

Q. How many appearances of Jesus are re- 
corded by the Evangelists. 

A. Twelve. 

Q. On what day does the Church commemo- 
rate the Crucifixion ? 

A. Good Friday. 

Q. On what day does the Church particularly 
commemorate the Resurrection ? 

A. Easter-day. 

Q. How often do we really celebrate the res- 
urrection ? 

A. Fifty-two times a year, or the first day of 
each week. 



W^t%m\ (KkiteutU. 



Q. What is the sixth article of the Creed ? 
A. *'He ascended into heaven. And sitteth on 
the right hand of God the Father Almighty.'' 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 41 

Q. What does the posture of sitting intimate ? 

A. A state of ease and rest, and is properly 
the posture of those having authority. 

Q. What does Christ's sitting on God's right 
hand imply ? 

A. That the same bliss, glory and power 
which He enjoyed before His incarnation, Plis 
human nature is now made partaker of. 

Q. In what character does He now reign ? 

A. In His mediatorial character. 

Q. In what manner did Jesus ascend ? 

A. Bodily. 

Q. What does that teach us ? 

A. That our bodies as well as our souls are 
made " inheritors of the kingdom of heaven." 

Q. During the time that our Saviour re- 
mained on earth, what did He do ? 

A. He instructed His disciples in the things 
" pertaining to the kingdom of God.'* 

Q. What is the seventh article of the Creed ? 

A. " From thence He shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead." 

Q. When and how will Jesus come again ? 

A. He will come again at the last day, in the 
same manner as the disciples saw Him go into 
heaven. 

Q, In what character Avill He then come? 



42 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. In His judicial character 

Q. Who are meant by " the quick " ? 

A. Those who will be alive at that time. 

Q. For what shall we be judged ? 

A. For the deeds done while in the body. 

Q. What is the eighth article of the Creed \ 

A. " I believe in the Holy Ghost." 

Q. Who is the Holy Ghost ? 

A. The third person in the blessed Trinity. 

Q. Why do we here repeat the words "I be- 
lieve''? 

A. To show that we believe in God the Holy 
Ghost, the same as we do in the Father and in 
the Son. 

Q. What do we believe in reference to the 
Holy Ghost ? 

A. That He is of one substance, majesty, and 
glory, with the Father and the Son, very and 
eternal God. 

Q. Why should we believe this ? 

A. Our Saviour commanded all people to be 
baptized in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Q. What is the peculiar office of the Holy 
Ghost? 

A. His particular work is to cleanse us from 
our original sin at our baptism, and to sanctify, 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 43 

support, and guide us in the performance of our 
duty, by His Divine influence. 

Q. What are the temples of the Holy Ghost? 

A. Our bodies. 

Q. What is the 7iinth article of the Creed ? 

A. " The holy Catholic Church ; the Commun- 
ion of Saints." 

Q. What does the word " Catholic", mean ? 

A. Universal. 

Q. What do we mean when we say we believe 
in the '^Catholic Church"? 

A. We mean that the Church is not confined 
to any particular age or nation. 

Q. Who are members of the Church ? 

A. All baptized people. 

Q. Why do we call the Church " holy " ? 

A. Because it has been purchased by the 
blood of the blessed Saviour, and because all 
who are baptized are called into a state of 
holiness. 

Q. How many parts are there in the Church ? 

A. Two, the Church Militant and the Church 
Triumphant. 

Q. What is meant by the " Church Militant " ? 

A. The Church in this world ? 

Q. What is meant by the " Church Triumph- 
ant"? 



44 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

A. The redeemed ones in the other world. 

Q. Who are meant by the '' Saints " ? 

A. All Christians. 

Q. What is meant by the " Communion of 
Saints " ? 

A. That there is a fellowship subsisting be- 
tween the several members of the Church ; who 
being many, are one body in Christ, and every 
one members one of another.'' 

Q. In what respect are we " one body " ? 

A. As being servants of the same God, re- 
deemed by the same atoning blood, sanctified by 
the same Spirit, governed by the same laws, par- 
takers of the same Sacraments, and heirs of the 
same promises. 

Q. What is the tenth article of the Creed ? 

A. " The Forgiveness of sins." 

Q. Why do we mention " the forgiveness of 
sins" in the Creed ? 

A. Because the Bible teaches us, that those 
who believe in the Trinity, and act according to 
that belief, shall receive forgiveness of their sins. 

Q. What is the eleventh article of the Creed ? 

A. " The Resurrection of the body." 

Q. Why is that mentioned among the articles 
of the Christian Faith ? 

A. Because the resurrection of the body was 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 45 

not postively known until Jesus Himself rose 
from the dead. 

Q. What is the tivelfth article of the Creed ? 

A. " And the life everlasting ? " 

Q. What is meant by " the life everlasting '^ ? 

A. That peace and joy in God, which shall 
never come to an end. 

Q. How is the " Amen" printed at the end of 
the Creed? 

A. In Roman characters. 



Q. What can be used instead of the Apostles' 
Creed ? 

A. The Nicene Creed. 

Q. Why is this called the " Nicene Creed" ? 

A. Because it was drawn up by the Council 
of Bishops which met at the city of Nice A. D. 
325. 

Q. When was the Apostles' Creed drawn up ? 

A. It is not postively known when, but Ter- 
tullian, who lived in the second century, gives us 
a Creed of similar import and says that it had 
been current " as a rule of faith in the Church, 
from the beginning of the Gospel.'* 



46 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. Why was the expression " One God" 
placed in the Nicene Creed ? 

A. Both in opposition to the error of the Gen 
tiles, who said there was more than one God, an«i 
to meet the calumny of the heretics, who called 
the Catholics worshipers not of one God, but <;! 
three gods. 

Q. Why do we say "One Lord Jesi-'s 
Christ " ? 

A. Because some had spoken of the human 
and divine nature of our Saviour, which they 
called Jesus and Christ, as two persons not 
united. 

Q. What does the expression " God of God, 
Light of Light, very God of very God" mean ? 

A. That Jesus is really, truly and properly 
God. 

Q. Why do we say " Light of Light " ? 

A. To express oar belief that His divine na- 
ture is from the Father, as light is from the sun ; 
or as one light without diminution of itself kin- 
dles another. 

Q. What does the expression "not made" 
mean ? 

A. ISTot created. 

Q. What is meant by " Being of one substance 
with the Father " ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 47 

A. Of the same nature or essence. 

Q. To whom does the expression " By whom 
all things were made" refer ? 

A. To Jesus Christ. 

Q. Why do we say "Whose kingdom shall 
have no end" ? 

A. To show that He will never cease to be :i 
king. 

Q. What Scriptural authority have we for 
this belief ? 

A. St. Luke i. 33. 

Q. . When was this article added to the Creed ? 

A. In 381, by the Council of Bishops at Con- 
stantinople. 

Q. Why was it added? 

A. On account of the heresy which then new- 
ly arose, denying the eternity of the kingdom of 
Christ. 

Q. Why do we speak of the Holy Gthost as 
'' The Lord and Giver of life'' ? 

A. Because He is the Author and Giver of 
spiritual life. 

Q. What is meant by " Who proceedeth from 
the Father and the Son ? '' 

A. Either His deriving from the latter as 
well as the former His eternal subsistence, or His 
being sent by both into the hearts of men. 



48 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. When were the words " and the Son'' added ? 

A. About the middle of the fifth century. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because some of the Greek writers had de- 
nied that the Holy Ghost proceeded from the 
Son. 

Q. What did this difference of belief cause ? 

A. A separation between the Greek and Latin 
Churches. 

Q. Why is the Church called " Apostolic " ? 

A. Because it was planted by the Apostles. 

Q. Why do we say "One Catholic and Apos- 
tolic Church " ? 

A. Because it is one in Christ. 

Q. Why do we say " One Baptism '' ? 

A. Because that Sacrament is not to be re- 
peated. 

Q. How is the " Amen" printed ? 

A. In Roman characters. 

Q. Do we profess a belief in anything more in 
the Nicene Creed, than in the Apostles' ? 

A. No. 

Q. Why were the articles which differ some- 
what from the Apostles' Creed introduced? 

A. Not because the Church believed more 
than she had in the earlier ages, but because the 
Arians believed less. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 49 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " And after that, these Prayers following, 
all devoutly kneeling; the Minister first pro- 
nouncing.'^ 

Q. What does the Minister say ? 

A. "The Lord be with you." 

Q. What does this expression mean? 

A. That the Lord would graciously assist 
them in their supplications and prayers. 

Q. What do the people reply ? 

A. " And with thy spirit." 

Q. What does this mean ? 

A. That the Lord may be with his spirit at 
all times, and especially in the performance of 
the duties on which he is about entering. 

Q. As what may this salutation of the Minis- 
ter and people be considered ? 

A. A token of mutual kindness and affection. 

Q. Is this form of salutation of modern date? 

A. No, it was of frequent use in the ancient 
Churches, both Jewish and Christian. 

Q. In what Liturgies is it found? 

A. In the Western Liturgy ascribed to St. 
Peter, and in all the ancient Liturgies of the 
East. 



60 CATECHISM ON THE MORNINa SERVICE 

Q. Where is this or a similar salutation 
found in the Bible ? 

A. Ruth ii. 4 ; 2 Thess. iii. 16 ; 2 Tim. iv. 22. 

Q. What should be the posture of the Minis- 
ter and people while repeating these sentences ? 

A. Standing. 

Q. What does the Minister then say ? 

A. " Let us pray." 

Q. How may this be considered? 

A. As an invitation not only to prayer in 
general, but to ardent or intense prayer. 

Q. What do the Minister and people then do ? 

A. Kneel. 

Q. What does the Minister then say ? 

A. " O Lord, show Thy mercy upon us/' 

Q. What do the people reply ? 

A. " And grant us Thy salvation." 

Q. Where are these versicles taken from ? 

A. Ps. Ixxxv. 7. 

Q. What do these words contain ? 

A. A summary of all the prayers that are to 
follow. 

Q. What does the Minister then say ? 

A. "O God, make clean our hearts within us." 

Q. What do the people reply ? 

A. " And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us." 

Q. Where are these versicles taken from ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 51 

A. Ps. Ji. 10, 11. 

Q, What do they meao ? 

A. That our prayers may be presented in an 
acceptable manner. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. "Then shall follow the Collect for the 
day, except when the Communion Service is 
read ; and then the Collect for the day shall 
be omitted here/' 

Q. What does the word " collect" mean? 

A. A short, comprehensive prayer. 

Q. What do you mean by the " Collect for 
the day " ? 

A. The Collect for that particular day in the 
Church year. 

Q. What is the first Collect for Morning 
Prayer called? 

/.. "A Collect for Peace." 

Q. What can you say in reference to the man- 
ner in which the Collects begin ? 

A. Each Collect begins with an acknowledge- 
ment of the adorable perfection and goodness of 
God, under some attribute, which is appropriate 
to the petition w^hich it contains. 

Q. From what enemies do we pray to be de- 
fended in this Collect? 

A. Both our spiritual and temporal ones. 



52 CATECHISM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. Where is this Collect taken from ? 

A. Gregory's Sacramentary. 

Q. AVhen was it composed ? 

A. Before the year 600. 

Q. Were the Collects in that Sacramentary 
new at that time ? 

A. No, most of the Collects were taken from 
Liturgies, which in his time were considered an- 
cient. 

Q. Why should we begin with a Collect for 
Peace ? 

A. Because Peace is one of the greatest of 
earthly blessings, and was the first and last leg- 
acy bequeathed to the world by our Blessed 
Eedeemer. 

Q. How is the " Amen" printed^ at the end 
of this, and all the other Collects ? 

A. In Italics. 

Q. What does this show ? 

A. That the Prayer is to be said by the Min- 
ister alone, and at the end of the prayer the peo- 
-pie are to say " Amen " 



Q. What is the next Collect called? 
A. " A Collect for Grace." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 53 

Q. Where is this taken from ? 

A. The Greek Service. 

Q. What does this Collect contain ? 

A. It begins with an acknowledgement of 
past mercies, and closes with a supplication for 
protection and guidance. ^ 

Q. What is the next Collect called ? 

A. " A Prayer for the President of the Uni- 
ted States, and all in Civil Authority." 

Q. Where are we commanded to pray for 
those in authority? 

A. 1 Tim. ii. 2. 

Q. Why should we pray for them ? 

A. They being in public life, are exposed to 
many temptations, and therefore need the prayers 
of all faithful Christians. 

Q, Where may the substance ot this prayer 
be found ? 

A. In the Sacramentary of St. Gregory, from 
which, with some amendments, it was placed in the 
English Service, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
and was altered by the compilers of the Ameri- 
can Liturgy, to suit the difference of political 
institutions. 

Q. What Is the ultimate object of this prayer ? 

A. That being protected by the authority of 
our rulers, we may ** lead a quiet and peaceable 
life, in all godliness and honesty.'' 



54 CATECIirSxM ON THE MORNING SERVICE 

Q. AVhat is the next rubric ? 

A. " The following Prayers are to be omitted 
here, when the Litany is read." 

Q. When is the Litany appointed to be read ? 

A. Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

Q. On the days wdien the Litany is not read 
what Collect is next in order ? 

A. " A Prayer for the Clergy and People." 

Q. Where is the model from which this 
prayer is taken, found? 

A. In Gregory's Sacramentary. 

Q. When was it first inserted in the Eng ish 
Service ? 

A. In the first year of Queen Elizabeth. 

Q. What authority have we for praying for 
the " Clergy and the People " ? 

A. The Holy Scriptures are full of prayers for 
the Church of God, especially for its governors 
and pastors ; and all the ancient Liturgies have 
special petitions for the" Bishops and Clergy, and 
the Congregations under their charge." 

Q. Why should we pray for the Bishops ? 

A. Because they are constituted the guides 
and governors of the Church of Christ, and 
therefore need to be filled with the Holy Spirit 
tc discharge their duties aright. 

Q. AVhy should we pray for the " other Cler- 

gy"? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 55 

A. Because they also need to be imbued with 
the Spirit of God, to guide their people in the 
path of righteousness. 

Q. Why should we pray for the **Cougre- 
gations " ? 

A. It is through God's blessing aloue that our 
minds can be kept open to instruction. 

Q. For whom is this prayer offered? 

A. For the whole Christian world. 

Q. Why do we call Jesus our " Advocate and 
Mediator " ? 

A. Because it is He who pleads for us, and 
procures by His intercessions both the Spirit and 
the blessing. 

Q. What is the next Collect called? 

A. A "Prayer for all Conditioas of Men/' 

Q. When was this prayer composed ? 

A. In 1661. 

Q. For what purpose ? 

A. To be used as a general intercession when 
the Litany is not read. 

Q. Where is the first petition taken from ? 

A. Ps. Ixvii. 2. 

Q. For whom c'o we pray first ? 

A. For the heathen. 

Q. For whom next ? 

A. For every denomination of Christians. 



56 CATECHISM O:^ THE LITANY 

Q. For whom do we then pray ? 

A. For all who are afflicted, whether by sor- 
row, sickness, or poverty. 

Q. What does this prayer particularly teach 
us? 

A Love to all God's creatures ; and patience 
and resignation to the Divine will, under what- 
ever trials it may please God to send us. 



THE LITANY. 

Q. What does the word " Litany" mean ? 

A. *' A general supplication," or a public sup- 
plication, whereby the mercy of God is more ar- 
dently and solemnly invoked. 

Q. What instances of Litanies are there iu 
the Old Testament ? 

A. Ps, li., Dan. ix., and Joel. ii. 17. 

Q. What instance in the New Testament? 

A. Luke xxii. 44. 

Q. Have Litanies been used long in the Chris- 
tian Church? 

A. Yes; From the earliest ages. 

Q. Whence is our Litany derived ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COxMMC^ PRAYER. 57 

A. It 13 substantially derived from the Form 
used in the eighth century. 

Q. To what Litany does it bear a resem- 
blance? 

A. It differs but little from the Litany of the 
CViurches of Germany and Denmark. 

Q. When was it set forth in English for pub- 
lic use? 

A. In 1544. 

Q. When was it somewhat altered ? 

A. In 1549. 

Q. When is the Litany to be used ? 

A. *^ On Sundays, Wednesdays, a id Fridays." 

Q. Why is the Litany to be used on Wednes- 
days ? 

A. Because it was on Wednesday that Judas 
made the arrangements with the Chief Priests to 
beiray Jesus to them. 

Q. Why is it used on Fridays ? 

A. Because it was on Friday that our Saviour 
was crucified. 

Q. Why is it used on Sundays ? 

A. Partly because there is then the largest 
number present to join in its earnest supplications, 
and partly that no day may have a more solemn 
Service than the Lord's day. 

Q. What Service is to precede it ? 



58 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

A. " The Morning Service." 

Q. What was the arrangement in reference 
to these Services in former years ? 

A. The Morning Prayer, the Litany, and the 
Communion Office, being three distinct Services, 
were used at different hours. 

Q. When was the present arrangement estab- 
lished ? 

A. At the last review of the English Prayer 
Book in the year 1661. 

Q. How are most of our prayers offered ? 

A. By the Minister alone, the people saying 
cnly '*' Amen'' at the close. 

Q. What is the Litany? 

A. The joint supplication of the whole Con- 
gregation. 

Q. How should the people read the parts as- 
signed to them ? 

A. Audibly, and reverently. 

Q. Into how many parts may the Litany be 
divided? 

A. Four. First the Invocations ; second, the 
Deprecations ; third, the Intercessions ; fourth, 
the Supplications. 

Q. Why do we first invoke ^^ God the 
Father^'? 

A. Because He is the Source of Deity, and 
the Fountain of mercy. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 59 

Q Why do we call ourselves " sinners" ? 

A. Because we have all sinned, and come 
short of the glory of God. 

Q. Why do vv^e call ourselves '* viiserahle sin- 
ners"? 

A. Because it is on account of our sins that 
we have been so miserable. 

Q. Whom do we invoke in the next petition ? 

A. "God the Son." 

Q. What do we acknowledge when we say 
that ? 

A. The Divinity of Jesus. 

Q. W^hy do we invoke the Second Person of 
the Trinity ? 

A. Because He hath redeemed us by His 
blood. 

Q. Why do we invoke the Holy Spirit ? 

A. Because it is by the influence of the Holy' 
Spirit in our hearts that we are to become " Meet 
to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in 
light." 

Q. Why do we, in the next petition, invoke 
all the Persons of the Godhead jointly? 

A. To express our importunity more strongly. 

Q. Was this form of invoking each Person of 
the Godhead separately, and then all united, 
used in ancient times ? 



60 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

A. Yes, it is agreeable to the practice of the 
primitive Church. 

Q. AVhat is mercy ? 

A. Compassion shown to the undeserving. 

Q. Why do we, in these petitions, a^k for 
" mercy "? 

A. Because mercy is the great remedy for 
misery. 

Q. Have Litanies generally commenced with 
such petitions ? 

A. Yes, all the Litanies extant have begun 
with the supplication " Lord have mercy upon us, 
miserable sinners." 

Q. What is the design of the people's repeat- 
ing the whole of these verses after the Minister? 

A. That every one may first implore to be 
heard in his own words. 

Q. What do the people then do ? 

A. Leave it to the Minister to set forth all 
their necessities to Almighty God, they declar- 
ing their assent to each petition as he delivers \L 



Q. What is the second part of the Litany 
called? 

A. The Deprecations. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 61 

Q. What do you mean by the *' Depreca- 
tions" ? 

A. Those supplications by which Ave seek de- 
liverance from evils. 

Q. To whom are they all addressed ? 

A. To the Second Person of the Trinity. 

Q. What is meant by ** Remember not, Lord, 
our offences " ? 

A. " Forgive us our trespasses." 

Q To what punishment do we expose our- 
selves by our own sins? 

A. To the punishment in the future world. 

Q. To what punishment do " The offences of 
our forefathers" expose us ? 

A. To temporal punishment, or national ca- 
lamity. 

Q What is meant by "Neither take Thou 
vengeance of our sins"? 

A. It is a way of speaking accommodated to 
our capacities. 

Q. Why do we say " Spare us, good Lord, 
spare Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed with 
Thy most precious blood " ? 

A. Because no repentance of ours can merit, 
or give us any claim to forgiveness. 

Q. Why do we say " Be not angry with us 
forever " ? 



62 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

A. That whatever pimishment He may see 
right to inflict upoD us in this life, He will " not 
deliver us into the bitter pains of eternal death." 

Q. What is the response of the people ? 

A. " Spare us, good Lord." 

Q. In the deprecations which follow, from 
what do we pray to be delivered ? 

A. From two general kinds of evil — the evil 
of sin, and the evil of the punishment of it. 

Q. AVhat do the words "evil and mischief" 
signify ? 

A. Wickedness and misery. 

Q. What do we pray for, in this supplication. ? 

A. We pray to be delivered both .from sin and 
the punishment of it ; from the causes that lead 
to it, and the consequences that follow it. 

Q. What do we next deprecate ? 

A. Those sins to which our corrupt nature is 
most inclined. 

Q. AVhom do the sins enumerated in this pe- 
tition particularly concern ? 

A. First ourselves, and secondly our neigh- 
bors. 

Q. Which are the sins which concern our- 
selves? 

A. " Blindness of heart, pride, vain-glory and 
hypocrisy.'" 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 63 

Q. What IS meant by " Blindness of heart " ? 

A. An unwillingness to be guided by the 
Holy Spirit. 

Q. What is the Scriptural meaning of" Pride" ? 

A. A proud disposition of the heart towards 
God. 

Q. What is meant by '' Vain-glory " ? 

A. An immoderate desire for the applause of 
others. " To love the praise of men, more than 
the praise of God." 

Q. What do we mean by " Hypocrisy " ? 

A. Not only self-deceit, and the intention of 
imposing on the world, but also the profane de- 
sign of mocking God. 



Q. Which are the sins which concern our 
neighbors? 

A. *' Envy, hatred, malice and all unchari- 
tableness." 

Q. Are these sins any less offences against 
God than the others ? 

A. No. 

Q. Where does St. Paul rank "Envy " ? 



64 CATECHISxM ON THE LITANY 

A. With murder. 

Q. What is envy ? 

A. Grief, or vexation at another's prosperity. 

Q. What does St. Paul say of those who are 
guilty of this sin ? 

A. " They shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God." 

Q. What does St. John say of " Hatred " ? 

Q. " If a man say, I love God, and hateth 
his brother, he is a liar." " Whosoever hateth his 
brother is a murderer, and ye know that no mur- 
derer hath eternal life abiding in him." 

Q. What is ^^ Malice"? 

A. A settled, coDfirmed, inveterate hatred 

Q. What is meant by ** Uncharitableness" ? 

A. All unkindness whether in thought, word, 
or deed. 

Q. What is meant by " Inordinate and sinful 
affections " ? 

A. The " works of the flesh." Gal. v. 10. 

Q. Why do we particularly mention *^ The 
w^orld, the flesh, and the devil " ? 

A. Because they are the disturbers of our 
peace, the authors of our misery, and the great 
enemies of our salvation. 

Q. What do we understand by the phrase 
"The world"? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 60 

A. The wicked men, the base principles, the 
vile practices, and the evil examples of the world. 

Q. What is meant by "The deceits of the 
flesh"? 

A. The corrupt passions and appetites of our 
nature. 

Q. What is meant by "The deceits of the 
devil"? 

A. Those means which he is continually 
using to seduce us from our allegiance to God, 
and to allure us to our destruction. 

Q. What is meant by " Sudden death " ? 

A. An unprepared death. 

Q. What is " Sedition '' ? 

A. Insurrection. 

Q. What is " Privy conspiracy '* ? 

A. Private plot. 

Q. What is " Kebellion " ? 

A. Open opposition to the government, 

Q. What is " Heresy " ? 

A. A denial cf any of the fundamental doc- 
trines of religion. 

Q. What is "Schism"? 

A. A separation from the Church. 

Q. What is " Hardness of heart " ? 

A. Determined opposition to God's will. 

Q. What is the meaning of " Mystery " ? 



66 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

4l. Something which we cannot fully under- 
stand. 

Q. What reason is there for using the peti- 
tions, which relate to our Saviour's life, death, 
resurrection, ascension, and the descent of the 
Holy Ghost? 

A. Having no merit of our own we appeal to 
the all-sufficient merits of the Redeemer Himself, 
and plead all that He has done and suffered for 
us. 

Q. Why do we pray for deliverance " in all 
time of our tribulation " ? 

A. Because we then most need God's aid. 

Q. Why do we pray for deliverance '* In all 
time of our prosperity ^' ? 

A. Because then we are least inclined to 
look to God for assistance. 

Q. Why do we use the petition " In the hour 
of death"? 

A. Because then we undergo our last struggle 
with the powers of darkness. 

R. Why do we ask to be delivered " In the 
day of judgment " ? 

A. We desire then to be delivered from eter- 
nal misery. 

Q. What do the people respond to each of the 
Deprecations ? 

A. " Good Lord, deliver us." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 67 

Q. What is the third part of the Litany 
called ? 

A. The Intercessions. 

Q. What is meant by the " Intercessions " ^ 

A. Petitions in which we ask the Divine bless- 
ing on ourselves, the whole Church of Christ, the 
country, and all mankind. 

Q. With what does the first intercession begin ? 

A. With a prayer that God would hear us ? 

Q. What reason have we to expect God to 
listen to the prayers of " sinners'' ? 

A. To the humble, contrite petitioner God 
will lend a listening ear. 

Q. For what do we pray in the second part of 
this petition ? 

A. That the Divine guidance and protecticm 
may be extended to the universal Church. 

Q. For what purpose? 

A. That it may be preserved in the profession, 
of true and sound doctrine, in unison with itself 
and in continual holiness. 

Q. How is the next petition expressed in the 
prayer for the Church Militant ? 

A. That all Christian Rulers and Magistrates 
*^ may truly and impartially administer justice, to 



68 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to 
the maintenance of Thy true religion and virtue." 

Q. What do we ask of God, in the next pet.- 
tion? 

A. That his Ministers may be so enlightened 
ill the knowledge of divine things, that the 
Church may be edified by the spirituality of their 
instructions, and the holiness of their lives. 

Q. Why should we pray particularly for the 
Clergy ? 

A. Because the station of the Christian Min- 
ister is a very responsible one. 

Q. In what respect is it so responsible ? 

A. Both as respects himself, the people under 
his charge, and the cause which he is commis- 
sioned to advance. 

Q. For whom is the next petition offered ? 

A. For all Christians. 

Q. For what do we pray in the next petition ? 

A. For universal peace. 

Q. To what does the next petition lead our 
thoughts ? 

A. To the natural corruption of our hearts, 
and directs us to the Fountain of all holiness, to 
cleanse and sanctify them. 

Q. Why do we ask for an " increase of grace" 
in the next petition ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 69 

A. However well disposed our hearts may he 
for the present, w^e will soon relapse into our for- 
mer sins, without the constant assistance of the 
Holy Spirit. 

Q. To what does this petition direct us to 
look as the rule of our actions ? 

A. To the Word of Goi> as the only rule oi 
faith and practice. 

Q. For whom do w^e pray in the next peti- 
tion ? 

A. For all w^ho are misled by the spirit oi 
error and delusion. 



Q. Whom do we mean in the next petition by 
those who '^ do stand " ? 

A. Those who remain firm in their faith, and 
constant in the practice 4^ their duty. 

Q. Whom do we mean by the 'Svcak- 
hearted " ? 

A. Those who are weary and fearftr, and al- 
most ready to yield to their spiritual enemies. 

Q. Whom do we mean by " those who fall " ? 

A. Those who have yielded to many tempta- 
tions, but are not hardened in iniquity. 



70 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

Q. What do we mean by " beat down Satan 
under our feet " ? 

A. That whatever temporary advantages the 
adversary may gain over us, we may come off 
more than conquerors, through Him that hath 
loved us. 

Q. To wnat do these last four intercessions 
particularly relate ? 

A. To the supply of our spiritual wants. 

Q. What do the next three petitions teach us ? 

A. That God alone is our refuge and strength 
and is a very present help in time of trouble. 

Q. For what do we pray in the next petition ? 

A. That God will extend His mercy to every 
human being. 

Q. What is the spirit of the next petition ? 

A. That of true Christian benevolence, and is 
in conformity to the precepts of our Redeemer. 

Q. For whose sake do we offer this petition ? 

A. Not so much for our own as for theirs, that 
they may be restored to a state of salvation. 

Q. For what do we pray in the next petition ? 

A. For whatever is necessary for the suste- 
nance of our bodies. 

Q. What does the word " kindly" mean ? 

A. It is an old English word, and means 
genial or natural^ " Whose seed is in itself." 



OF THE BOOK OP COMMON PRAYER. 71 

O,. What do we acknowledge in this petition? 

A. That God is the giver and preserver of all 
good things 

Q. What is " true repentance" ? 

A. A turning from sin, with an abhorrence 
of its evil nature, and dreadful tendency. 

Q. What is meant by " sins" ? 

A. Our gross and deliberate transgressions. 

Q. What is meant by " negligences" ? 

A. Those sins which we commit through inad- 
vertency, carelessness, or surprise. 

Q. What is meant by " ignorances" ? 

A. Those sins which are attributable to a nes:- 
lect of the proper means of obtaining knowledge. 

Q. Why do we so frequently pray for the 
" grace of the Holy Spirit" ? 

A. Without the help of this grace we can do 
nothing. 

Q. How do we know that we shall receive it ? 

A. We have God's sure w^ord of promise that 
the assistance of the Spirit shall be given to all 
who ask for it. 

Q. What do the people respond at the end 
of each intercession ? 

A. " We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord" ? 

Q. What is the next petition ? 

A. " Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us" ? 



72 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

Q. Why do we use this petition ? 1 

A. To implore Jesus on account of His Divin- 
ity to hear us. 

Q. Why do we use the petitions " O Lamb of 
God, Who takest away the sins of the world ; 
Grant us Thy peace," and " Have mercy upon 
us''? 

A. To implore Jesus on account of His hu- 
manity and sufferings, to hear us. 

Q. What is the next rubric? 

A. " The Minister may, at his discretion, omit 
all that follows, to the Prayer ; We humbly be- 
seech Thee, O Father'' ? 

Q. Is this rubric in the English book ? 

A. No, it was placed here by the American 
Eeviewers. 



Q. What is the fourth part of the Litany 
called ? 

A. The Supplications. 

Q. What is the object of these supplications ? 

A. To enforce the foregoing deprecations and 
intercessions with the greatest possible importu- 
nity. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER 73 

Q. When do we use these supplications ? 

A. On all the more solemu seasons of the 
Church. 

Q. With what do they begin ? 

A. With an invocation for mercy. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Then shall the Minister, and the People 
with him, say the Lord's Prayer/' 

Q. Why was the Lord s Prayer placed here ? 

A. Because such was the pious humility of 
the ancient Christians, and so high their venera- 
tion for the Lord's Prayer, that they thought no 
Service of their ow^n complete without it. 

Q. What follows the Lord's Prayer ? 

A. " O Lord, deal not with us according to 
our sins." '' Neither reward us according to our 
iniquities." 

Q. How are these versicles to be repeated ? 

A. Alternately by the minister and the peo- 
ple. 

Q. Where are they taken from ? 

A. Ps. li. 9. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Let us pray." 

Q. Of what is the repetition of this expression 
calculated to remind us ?_ 

A. The imj^ortant work in which we are en- 
gaged. 



74 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

Q. What is the following prayei commonly 
called ? 

A. A Prayer against Persecutions. 

Q. Why is this prayer suitable to be used at 
all times ? 

A. Because we are at all times liable to 
" troubles and adversities," and exposed to many 
evils from the '' craft and subtilty of the devil" as 
well as the machinations of wicked men. 

Q. From what is this prayer taken ? 

A. Partly from the Scriptures and partly 
out of the primitive forms, and is still to be 
found entire among the offices of the Western 
Church, with the title "For tribulation of heart" 

Q. Why is it not concluded with *' Amen" ? 

A. To show that the same request is contin- 
ued in another form. What the minister begged 
before alone, all the people join to ask in the fol- 
lowing supplications taken from the Psalms. 

Q. From which Psalm are the first suppr ca- 
tions taken ? 

A. Ps. xliv. 1, 26. 

Q Whai do these ejaculations mean ? 

A. That we ask for help not on account of 
any merit of our own, but for His glorious per- 
iections. 

Q. What then follows? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 75 

A. The ascription of praise to the blessed 
Trinity. 

Q. Why is It proper to introduce the doxolo- 
gy here, in the midst of our supplications? 

A. Because we should "praise the Lord at 
all times/' 

Q. Under what character is Christ invoked 
in the next petition ? 

A. That of Defender 

Q. Under what character is Christ invoked 
in the following supplications ? 

A. That of Saviour. 

Q. Why is the title " Son of David'' used 
here? 

A. To remind our Saviour of the mercies 
He wrought in answer to those who showed their 
faith by giving Him this acknowledgment of His 
true character as the King of Israel. 

Q. What do the next two supplications indi- 
cate? 

A. Great earnestness. 

Q. From what source are the last two suppli- 
cations taken? 

A. Ps. xxxiii. 21. 

Q. Why are some of these supplications 
nrinted in Roman characters ? 

A. The parts printed in Roman characters 



76 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

are takea from an Old Service Book, and are 
called '* the versicles." They appear in the type 
in which they were originally printed. In the 
Service from ji^hich they are taken the priest used 
to stand while they were said. 



Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Let us pray.'' 

Q. What does the invitation denote in this 
place ? 

A. The change from one kind of prayer to 
another. 

A. Is this next prayer of modern date ? 

A. No, it is very ancient with the exception 
of the words " put our whole trust and confidence 
in Thy mercy,'^ which were introduced at the 
time of the Reformation. 

Q. To whom is this prayer addressed ? 

A. To God the Father. 

Q. What is meant by " Look upon our infirm- 
ities" ? 

A. Behold how weak we are, 

Q. What is meant by " Those' evils that we 
most justly have deserved" ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMIVION PRAYER. 77 

A. Those punishments to which our sins have 
exposed us. 

Q. What is meant by the expression that 
*' we may put our whole trust and confidence in 
Tliy mercy''? 

A. That we may have faith and strength to 
bear our troubles, if God does not see fit to 
remove them. 

Q. Why do we add the request that we may 
"evermore serve Thee in holiness and pureness 
of living"? 

A. Because they onl}'- have just cause to trust 
in the mercy of God, who obey His laws and do 
His will. 

Q. How do we address Christ at the close of 
this prayer ? 

A. As our only Mediator and Advocate. 

Q. What is the next prayer called ? 

A. " A General Thanksgiving." 

Q. What is one of the principal ends of our 
assembling in the House of God ? 

A. " To render thanks for the great benefits 
that we have received at Hi^ hands." 

Q. When was this prayer added to the Litany ? 

A. In 1661. 

Q. Why do we call ourselves " Unworthy 
servants " ? 



78 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

A. Because we are not worthy of any of the 
" mercies" which God bestows upon us. 

Q. For what do we render " humble and 
hearty thanks '' ? 

A. For God's " goodness and loving-kindness" 
not only to ourselves but to all mankind. 

Q. Why do we thank God for the '^ blessings 
of this life"? 

A. Because we should accept the good things 
of the world with gratitude, and use them with 
moderation and cheerfulness. 

Q. For what do we thank Him " above all" 
other things ? 

A. For the blessings of redemption, sanctifi- 
cation, and salvation ? 

Q. What are the principal " means of grace" ? 

A. Prayer, reading God's Word, and partak- 
ing of the Sacraments. 

Q. Why should we ** show forth God's praise" ? 

A. His mercies are bestowed upon us ^enly, 
therefore, we should not conceal His praise, but 
should glorify Him *^ with our lips and in our 
lives." 

Q. How does this prayer conclude ? 

A. With a doxology to the Trinity. 

Q. What is the next prayer ? 

A. " A prayer of St. Chrysostom." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 79 

Q. Why is it called " A prayer of St. Chrys- 
ostom"? 

A. Because it was taken from the Liturgy 
that bears his name. 

Q. When was this introduced into the Church 
Service ? 

A. It was placed in the Litany in 1544, and 
in the Morning and Evening Service in 1661. 

Q. For what do we first thank God in this 
prayer ? 

A. For having disposed our minds to ask 
unanimously of Him such things as Ave ought. 

Q. Of what do we then remind Him? 

A. Of His explicit promise to hear us. 

Q. What do we ask Him to fulfil? 

A. Not only the petitions which have been 
oifered with the lips, but also those which have 
been oflTered secretly in the heart. 

Q. For what do we pray at the conclusion ? 

A. For the knowledge of all necessary relig- 
ious truth in this world, and life everlasting in 
the world to come. 

Q. Why do Ave not conclude this prayer in the 
name of Jesus Christ? 

A. Because this prayer is offered to God the 
Son. 



80 CATECHISM ON THE LITANY 

Q. With what do the daily Morning and 
Evening Prayer, and Litany, conclude ? 

A. With the Apostolic Benediction. 

Q. Who is the Author of it ? 

A. The Holy Spirit. 

Q. Where is it recorded ? 

A. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 

Q. What is meant by " The grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ" ? 

A. Those particular acts of favor and mercy, 
whereby our souls are redeemed and saved. 

Q. What is meant by " The love of God " ? 

A. That perfection of happiness wliieh God 
only can bestow. 

Q. What is meant by "The fellowship of the 
Holy Ghost" ? 

A. The communicating to us of His gifts and 
graces. 

Q. What is then sung V 

A. One of the Selections of Metrical Psalms, 
or a Hymn. 

Q. Why is it proper to sing a Psalm between 
the Morning Prayer and the Ante-Communion 
Service ? 

A. Because that makes a separation and dis- 
tinction between the two Services. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 81 

ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

^moix ^imxUj-umxL 

Q. What Service is generally used after sing- 
ing the Psalm? 

A. The Ante-Communion Service. 

Q. Where is the Priest to read this Service ? 

A. At the Altar. 

Q. Why is this Service said at the Altar ? 

A. Because that is the proper place to com- 
memorate Jesus our only Saviour. 

Q. How often was the Lord's Supper cele- 
brated in the early ages of the Church ? 

A. Whenever they met for worship. Acts 
ii. 46. 

Q. What does our using a part of this Service 
on all Sundays and Holy days show ? 

A. That our Church wishes that it were so 
still. 

Q. AYhy is this Sacrament called " The Com- 
munion" ? 

A. Because by it we testify our communion 
with Christ our head, and it unites us with our 
fellow Christians ; and also because all good Chris- 
tians have a right to partake of it. 

Q. Why is it called the " Lord's Supper " ? 



82 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

A. Because it was instituted by our Lord at 
the Paschal supper, and was so called by St. Paul. 

Q. Why is it called the '' Eucharist " ? 

A. Because it is a Service of the highest 
thanksgiving. 

Q. Why does the Priest stand while reading 
the prayers of the Communion Service ? 

A. Both on account of standing being a sign 
of the resurrection, and therefore proper to be 
observed at the Altar, and also because the Ser- 
vice is of a strictly Sacrificial character. 

Q. When is the Lord's Prayer to be omit- 
ted? 

A. If Morning Prayer has been said imme- 
diately before. 

Q. Is the Collect, at the beginning of the Com- 
munion Service, of modern date ? 

A. No, the Western Church of old used this 
very form in this Office. 

Q. Why is this Collect particularly suitable 
for this Service? 

A. As the people were to be purified before 
the first publication of the law, so must we have 
clean hearts before we are fit to hear it. 

Q. Why should the Minister turn to the peo- 
ple while reading the Commandments ? 

A. In rehearsing the Commandments, he 
speaks as from God. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 83 

Q. Why should the people receive them kneel- 
ing^ 

A. As a posture of reverence, and submission 
to what God commands. 

Q. Why is the word *' distinctly" placed in 
the rubric? 

A. To remind the Minister that they are to be 
read in a manner suitable to the dignity of Him 
Whose commands they are. 

Q. Why should these commandments, which 
were given to the Israelites, be read so frequently 
in the hearing of Christians ? 

A. Because the Moral precepts of the Deca- 
logue are as binding upon us Christians, as they 
were upon the Jews. 

Q. What does our Saviour say in reference 
to them ? 

A. " If thou wilt enter into life, keep the com- 
mandments.*' 

Q. When were these Commandments first 
inserted in the Liturgy ? 

A. In 1552. 



Q. Who gave these Commandments ? 
A. God. 



84 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

Q. What did He call Himself? 

A. <' The Lord thy God." 

Q. AVhat does the name "Lord" signify? 

A. That He is the owner and Master of every 

thing and every body. 

Q. What does " The Lord" signify? 

A. That there is no other such as He 

Q. Eepeat the first commandment ? 

A. 'Thou shalt have none other gods but Me." 

Q. What does this commandment forbid ? 

A. It forbids our having any but the Lord 
for our God. 

Q. What does it command ? 

A. It commands us to have the Lord for our 

GrOD. 

Q. What is the second commandment ? 

A. " Thou shalt not make to thyself any grav- 
en image, nor the likeness of anything that is in 
heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the 
water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down 
to them, nor worship them : For I the Lord thy 
God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the 
fathers upon the children, unto the third and 
fourth generation of them that hate me; and 
show mercy unto thousands in them that love me, 
and keep my commandments." 

Q. What does this commandment forbid ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 85 

A. Idolatry. 

Q. What is meant by the Lord's being " a 
jealous God" ? 

A. That He is not willing that the worship 
and honor which are due to Him should be given 
to any other person or thing. 

Q. What is meant by visiting " the sins of 
the fathers upon the children " ? 

A. That the children will endure temporal 
suifering in consequence of their parents' sins. 

Q. What is meant by showing " mercy unto 
thousands that love me, and keep my command- 
ments"? 

A. That the temporal blessings of the right- 
eous Avill descend upon their posterity. 

Q. For whose sins shall we have to answer at 
the last day ? 

A. '^ Every one of us shall give account of 
himself to God." 

Q. What is the third commandment ? 

A. "Thou shalt not take the Name of the 
Lord thy God in vain : For the Lord will n t 
hold him guiltless, that taketh His Name in 
vain." 

Q. How is God's Name taken in vain ? 

A. Either by swearing, or by using it in a 
light, careless, or trifling way. 



86 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

Q In what other way is this commandment 
broken ? 

A. By praying with the lips and not with the 
heart ; and also by reading God's Word in an 
irreverent manner. 

Q. Does it make any difference in the sin, as 
to which one of the Trinity it is, whose Name is 
taken in vain ? 

A. No. As they are co-equal and co-eternal, 
the same reverence is due to each. 

Q. What is meant by "the Lord will not 
hold him guiltless " ? 

A. That He will snrely punish all those who 
do not honor His holy Name. 



Q. What is the fourth commandment ? 

A. " Remember that thou keep holy the Sab- 
bath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do 
all that thou hast to do ; but the seventh day is 
the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou 
shalt do no manner of work ; thou, and thy son, 
and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid- 
servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within 
thy gates. For in six days the Lord made 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 87 

heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, 
and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord 
blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it." 

Q. What is particularly commanded in this ? 

A. A proper observance of the Sabbath-day. 

Q. What does the word " Sabbath " mean ? 

A. Kest. 

Q. Which day of the week does this com- 
mandment say shall be kept as the Sabbath-day ? 

A. The seventh. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because God rested from His work on the 
seventh day. 

Q. What work was then completed ? 

A. The work of Creation. 

Q. For what reason then was the seventh day 
appointed to be kept holy. 

A. To commemorate the completion of the 
work of creation. 

Q. What day do we keep for our Sabbath ? 

A. The first day of the week. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because Christ rose from the dead on the 
first day of the week. 

Q. What work was then completed ? 

A. The work of Redemption. 

Q. Why should we keep the first day of the 
week instead of the seventh ? 



88 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

A. Because we are more deeply interested in 
the work of redemption than in that of creation. 

Q. Is»there any command in the New Testa- 
ment for us to keep the first instead of the 
seventh ? 

A. There is not. 

Q. What authority have we then for making 
the change ? 

A. We find that the disciples made the 
change immediately after the resurrection, and 
that our Saviour sanctioned it by His presence. 

Q. What is the Scriptural, and therefore 
proper name for this day ? 

A. " The Lord's day." 

Q. Does this commandment relate to the Sab- 
bath day only f 

A. No ; it also forbids idleness on the other 
six days. 

Q. What works are proper to be performed 
on the LoRD's-day ? 

A. Those of piety, necessity, and charity. 



Q. What is the fifth commandment ? 

A. " Honour thy father and thy mother ; that 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 89 

• 

thy days may be long in the land which the Lord 
thy Gob giveth thee." 

Q. What is meant by " Honour thy father 
and thy mother '' ? 

A. That we should treat with respect and es- 
teemj not on\y the persons, but also the opinion 
and instructions of our parents. 

Q. How long should we do this ? 

A. All our lives. 

Q. Can we honor them after they are dead ? 

A. Yes ; by treating their memories with re- 
spect, and not doing anything which we know 
would displease them. 

Q. Does this commandment relate to our pa- 
rents only ? 

A. No ; it also relates to the " Civil Author- 
ity," and " to my governors, teachers, spiritual 
pastors, and masters." 

Q. What land was given to the Israelites ? 

A. The land of Canaan. 

Q. What blessed land is promised to us ? 

A. Heaven. 

Q. What is the sixth commandment ? 

A. " Thou shalt do no 'jaurder." 

Q. . What are you taught by this command- 
ment? 

A. "To bear no malice nor hatred in my 
heart." 



90 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

• 

Q. What is the seventh commandment? 

A. " Thou shalt not commit adultery." 

Q. What does this commandment forbid ? 

A. All impure thoughts, words, and actions. 

Q. What is the eighth commandment ? 

A. " Thou shalt not steal." 

Q. What are you taught by this command- 
ment? 

A. " To be true and just in all my dealings." 

Q. What is the ninth commandment ? 

A. " Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbour." 

Q. Who is " thy neighbour" ? 

A. Every one. 

Q. What does this commandment teach ? 

A. ** To keep my tongue from evil speaking, 
lying, and slandering." 

Q. What is the tenth commandment ? 

A. *^Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's 
house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, 
nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his 
ass, nor anything that is his." 

Q. What does this commandment teach ? 

A. " Not to covet nor desire other men's goods ; 
but to learn and labour truly to get mine own 
living, and to do my duty in that state of life 
unto which it shall please God to call me." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 91 

Q. What response do the people make to the 
commandments ? 

A. " Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline 
our hearts to keep this law." 

Q. What response do we make at the end of 
the commandments ? 

A. " Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all 
these Thy laws in our hearts, we beseech Thee." 

Q. Why should we make these responses ? 

A. Because of our own strength we are not 
able to keep them. 

Q. What is the rubric in reference to these re- 
sponses? 

A. " Then shall the Minister, turning to the 
People, rehearse distinctly the Ten Command- 
ments ; and the People, still kneeling, shall, after 
every Commandment, ask God mercy for their 
transgressions for the time past, and grace to keep 
the law for the time to come, as foUoweth." 



Q. What is that which " The Minister may 
say" next, called ? 

A. Our Saviour's summary of the Divine 
Law. 



92 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

Q. When was it added in this place ? 

A. By the general Convention of 1789. 

Q. For what object? 

A. To give to the authority of Moses, the 
greater authority of our Saviour. 

Q. On what Sunday is this generally omitted? 

A. On the eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because it is contained in the Gospel for 
the day. 

Q. What is meant by " On these two com- 
mandments hang all the Law and the Prophets "? 

A. In these two commandments is contained 
all that the Law and the Prophets require, in ref- 
erence to our duty to God and man. 

Q. What is the next rubric ? 

A. " Let us pray." 

Q. For what do we particularly ask in this 
prayer ? 

A. To be directed "in the ways of God's law, 
and in the works of His commandments"; that 
" we may be preserved in body and soul.' 
■ Q. What is to be said next ? 

A. " The Collect of the Day." 

Q. What are these Collects? 

A. Short, impressive prayers collected out of 
the Holy Scriptures. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 93 

Q. Upon what do they chiefly reflect? 

A. Upon the festival to which the Church at 
that time particularly directs our meditations. 

Q. For how long a time has the Church cele- 
brated these annual festivals? 

A. From the earliest ages of Christianity. 

Q. What do you mean by '' the Epistle/' 

A. A short portion of Scripture appointed to 
be read on that particular day. 

Q. Why is it called the '' Epistle" ? 

A. Because it is generally taken out of one 
of the Epistles. 

Q. When were the words between the brackets, 
in this rubric, added? 

A. At the last Review. 

Q. AVhen are they to be used ? 

A. When the portion is not taken from the 
Epistles. 

Q. Why is the Epistle appointed to be read 
before the Gospel ? 

A. As the word of the servant, that it may be 
as the harbinger of the Gospel. 

Q. What do you mean by ''the Gospel" ? 

A. That portion of Scripture appointed to be 
read on that particular day, and which is always 
taken from the writings of one of the Evangelists. 

Q. What particular marks of respect are 
shown to the reading of the Gospel ? 



94 CATECHISM ON ANTE-COMMUNION SERVICE 

A. The Congregation all rise and say " Glory 
be to Thee, O Lord." And they remain standing 
while the Gospel is read. 

Q. AVhy do we show so much respect to " the 
Gospel" ? 

A. Because it relates the life and actions of 
our blessed Saviour, and contains His very 
words. 

Q. What usually follows the reading of the 
Gospel? 

A. The singing of a Hymn. 

Q. What follows the Hymn ? 

A. The Sermon. 

Q. What follows the Sermon ? 

A. One or more Collects selected by the Minis- 
ter. 

Q. With what does the Service close ? 

A. The Benediction. 

Q. Where is the Benediction taken from ? 

A. The first part is taken from St. PauFs Epis- 
tle to the Philippians, 4th chapter, 7th verse ; 
and the latter part is a Christian paraphrase of 
the form delivered to Moses. Numb. vi. 22-25. 

Q. Is the Benediction merely a prayer ? 

A. No ; it is also an assurance of blessing 
and peace. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 95 

EVENING PRAYER. 

Q. What is the second Service in the Prayer 
Book ? 

A. "The Order for Daily Evening Prayer." 

Q. AVhen is it to be used ? 

A. Whenever the church is open for Divine 
Service in the evening. 

Q. What can you say in reference to this Ser- 
vice ? 

A. The greater portion of it is the same as 
that used in the morning. 

Q. What is the first Chant in the Evening 
Service ? 

A. The " Cantate Domino." 

Q. What does that mean ? 

A. " O sing unto the Lord." 

Q. Why was this Psalm probably composed ? 

A. In consequence of some victory obtained 
by David. 

Q. To what does it also refer ? 

A. To the times of the Messiah. 

Q. In what manner does it refer to the Mes- 
siah? 

A. By extolling the miraculous salvation 



96 CATECHISM ON THE EVENINa SERVICE 

which God has wrought for His Church ; and 
celebrating the righteousness, mercy and truth of 
our Redeemer. 

Q. On what day is this Psalm to be omitted ? 

A. On the nineteenth day of the month. 

Q. Why? 

A. Because it then occurs in the Psalter for 
the day. 

Q. Which Psaln is this? 

A. The Ninety-eighth. 

Q. When was it placed in the Liturgy ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. What may be used instead of this Psalm ? 

A. The first four verses of the 92d Psalm. 

Q. What is this called ? 

A. " Bonum est confiteri." 

Q. What does that mean ? 

A. " It is a good thing to give thanks." 

Q. What is the name of this Psalm ? 

A. '' A Psalm or Song for the Sabbath-day/' 

Q. Where is the second Lesson in the Even- 
ing Service taken from ? 

A. From the Epistles. 

Q. Which Psalm is appointed to be sung 
after the second Lesson ? 

A. The Sixty-seventh. 

Q. What is this called ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 97 

A. The " Deus misereatur." 

Q. What does that mean ? 

A. " God be merciful/' 

Q. What does this Psalm foretell ? 

A. The incarnation of Christ, and the calling 
of the Gentiles. 

Q. Why is it proper for the Christian Church 
to continue to use this Psalm ? 

A. There are many Gentiles who have not yet 
heard of the Saviour, and the Jews are still un- 
converted. 

Q. When was this Psalm placed in the Litur- 
gy ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. On what day is this Psalm not to be used ? 

A. '' On the twelfth day of the month." 

Q. Why? 

A. Because it then occurs in the Psalter for 
the day. 



Q. What can be used instead of this Psalm ? 

A. A part of the 103d Psalm. 

Q. What is this Psalm called ? 

A. " Benedic, anima mea. * 



98 CATECHISM ON THE EVENING SERVICE 

Q. What does that mean ? 

A. It is the Latin for " Praise, O my soul." 

Q. By whom was this Psalm written ? 

A. By David. 

Q. For what do we praise the Lord in this 
Psalm ? 

A. For His great mercy and tender compas- 
sion towards His people. 

Q. What is the general spirit of this Psalm ? 

A. One of peculiar tenderness and beauty. 

Q. When was it placed in the Liturgy ? 

A. At the revision of the Prayer Book in this 
country. 

Q. What is always the first Collect at Even- 
ing Prayer? 

A. "The Collect of the Day." 

Q. What is the name of the next Collect ? 

A. " A Collect for Peace." 

Q. For what do we pray in this Collect ? 

A. For the greatest of blessings, that joyful 
peace of mind, which our Saviour promised to 
His disciples. 

Q. What effect will this have upon us ? 

A. " Our hearts will then be set to obey God's 
commandments." 

Q. From what do we ask to be defended ? 

A. " From the fear of our enemies." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PEAYER. 99 

Q. What difference is there between this Col- 
lect and the one of the same name in the Morn- 
ing Service ? 

A. In the Morning we pray for external, in the 
Evening for internal peace. 

Q. Where- is this Collect taken from ? 

A. A Latin form, at least 1100 years old. 

Q. What is the next Collect ? 

A. " A Collect for Aid against Perils." 

Q. What is the tenor of this prayer ? 

A. After thanking God for having preserved 
us through the day, we commit ourselves to His 
care Who neither slumbers nor sleeps." 

Q. Where is this prayer taken from? 

A. A prayer in the Liturgy of the Greek 
Church. 

Q. What can you say in reference to the 
remaining Collects? 

A. They are the same as those in the Morn- 
ing Service. 

1-'*^ — . 

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Q. What is meant by the *^Occasional Prayers"? 
A. Certain prayers which are to be used only 
on particular occasions. 



100 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

Q. Where is the proper place for them to be 
used ? 

A. Immediately before the " General Thanks- 
giving." 

Q. How does it happen then that the rubric 
says, " to be used before the two final Prayers" ? 

A. At the time this rubric was written the 
General Thanksgiving w^as placed among the 
Occasional Thanksgivings. 

Q. What is the first Occasional Prayer? 

A. ^' A Prayer for Congress." 

Q. When is it to be used ? 

A. *' During their Session." 

Q. From what is it taken ? 

A. From the "Prayer for the high Court of 
Parliament" in the English Service, with such 
alterations as circumstances rendered necessary. 

Q. What should be the object of the delibera- 
tions of Congress ? 

A. "The advancement of God's glory, the 
good of His Church, and the safety, honour, and 
welfare of His people." 

Q. How can " peace and happiness" be ob- 
tained and preserved ? 

A. By the establishment of "truth and justice, 
religion and piety." 

Q. What should our legislators banish from 
their minds ? 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 101 

A, All considerations of private interest, and 
local or party attaclmient. 

Q. What is the next prayer for ? 

A. " For Kain." 

Q. Why should we offer a special prayer for 
rain? 

A. Because the want of rain is one of the 
severest judgments of God. 

Q. What does this prayer teach us ? 

A. To look beyond the elements to our Fa- 
ther in Heaven, for relief in our necessity. 

Q. Where is this prayer taken from ? 

A. From the first book of Edward the Sixth 
published in 1548. 

Q. For what is the next prayer offered ? 

A. '' For Fair Weather." 

Q. Why should we offer a special prayer for 
this? 

A. The want, and the excess of rain, are alike 
productive of dearth and famine. 

Q. Why do we say that the excess of rain has 
been sent on account of "our sins" ? 

A. Because our sins are the cause of all our 
afflictions. 

Q. Where is this prayer taken from ? 

A. The first book of Edward the Sixth, pub- 
lished in 1548. 



102 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

Q. When is tlie next prayer to be used? 

A. " In Time of Dearth and Famine/' 

Q. Why is this prayer placed here ? 

A. Because famine generally follows either the 
want or the excess of rain. 

Q. When was this prayer placed in the Prayer 
Book ? 

A. In 1551. 

Q. When is the next prayer to be used ? 

A. "• In Time of War and Tumults." 

Q. AVhat is the difference between " War and 
Tumults"? 

A. If the difficulty be with a foreign enemy, 
it is called War; if the opposers be domestic reb- 
els, it is styled a Tumult. 

Q. In both cases what is our duty ? 

A. To assist our country by our prayers, as 
well as by our endeavors. 

Q. When was this Prayer placed in the 
Prayer Book? 

A. In 1551. 



^§mm MivMlu 



Q. What is the next Prayer for ? 
A. "For those who are to be admitted into 
Holy Orders." 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 103 

Q. What do you mean by '' Holy Orders " ? . 

A. Being admitted to minister in Christ's 
Church. 

Q. When is this Prayer to be used ? 

A. In the Weeks preceding the stated Times 
of Ordination. 

Q. Which are the stated times for Ordination ? 

A. The Sundays following the Ember days. 

Q. Which are the " Ember days '^ ? 

A. "The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 
after the first Sunday in Lent, after the Feast of 
Pentecost, after Sept. 14th, and after December 
13th." 

Q. What does the word " Ember " mean ? 

A. It is derived from a Saxon word, signify- 
ing course or circumvolution. 

Q. Why is it applied to these days? 

A. On account of these being Fasts which re- 
turn at stated periods. 

Q. For whom do we pray in the first of ihese 
two forms ? 

A. For the Ordainers and the Ordained. 

Q. What do we ask of God ? 

A. To guide the minds of the Bishops and 
Pastors, that they may with wisdom and fidelity, 
make choice of persons, well qualified by learning 
and piety, to be admitted into the Ministry. 



104 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

. Q. For what do we pray in the second Collect ? 

A. We beseech God, to give the grace of His 
Holy Spirit to all those, who have been chosen. 

Q. Where are these prayers taken from ? 

A. The Scottish Liturgy, and were added to 
the Book of Common Prayer in 1661 

Q. When is the next prayer to be used ? 

A. " In Times of great Sickness and Mortal- 
ity." 

Q. What authority have we for offering this 
Prayer ? 

A. Solomon was assured, that when any sick- 
ness was upon the Israelites, if they called upon 
God, He would hear them in heaven His dwell- 
ing place. 

Q. For whom is the next Prayer to be used ? 

A. " For a Sick Person." 

Q. Where is the first petition taken from ? 

A. Deut. xxvi. 15. 

Q. What is meant by ^* look upon him with 
the eyes of thy mercy"? 

A. That God will signally express His love to 
him and care for him. 

Q. What is one of the most necessary things 
for the afflicted? 

A. Comfort. 

Q. What is the best defence against " the 
temptations of the enemy 



OF THE BOOK 07 COMMON PRAYER. 105 

A A well groiuided faith rdcI coDfideiice in 
God. 

Q. Why do we jM-ay for patience before we 
ask for the removal of the afflictions ? 

A. Because the sickness is probably sent for 
spiritual good. 

Q. For what do we ask in the last part of 
this prayer ? 

A. That God would raise him up to lead a 
holy life, or prepare him for a happy death. 

Q. By whom was this prayer added? 

A. By the American Reviewers. 

Q. For whom is the next prayer ? 

A. *^Fora Sick Child." 

Q. For what do we ask in this prayer ? 

A. For the restoration of the child's bodily 
health, and the salvation of his soul. 

Q. When was this prayer added ? 

A. ' It was placed in the Service for the visita- 
tion of the Sick in 1661, and put with the Occa- 
sional Prayers by the American Reviewers. 

Q. For whom is the next prayer ? 

A. *' For a Person, or Persons going to Sea.'' 

Q. Why should we have a special prayer for 
those who are " going to Sea'' ? 

A. Because they are then apparently exposed 
to more than ordinary dangers. 



106 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

Q. By whom was this prayer added? 

A. By the American Keviewers. 

Q. For w^hom is the next prayer ? 

A. " For a Person under Affliction.'' 

Q. What do we acknowledge in the fir^t part 
of this prayer? 

A. That God permits us to be afflicted for oui 
own good, not for the display of His power. 

Q. For what do we particularly pray ? 

A That his affliction may be sanctified, and 
that he may be patient and resigned 

Q. Where is the last sentence taken from ? 

A. Numb. vi. 26. 

Q. By whom Avas this prayer added ? 

A. By the American Reviewers. 

Q For whom is the next prayer ? 

A. *' For Malefactors, after Condemuation." 

Q, Why should we pray for ^* Malefactors" ? 

A. It is so teriblea thing for any one4o die 
unprepared, that we pray, though condemned to 
suffer temporal death under sentence of the law, 
they may be spared " the bitter pains of eternal 
death." 

Q. What authority have we for believing that 
repentance at so late an hour will be accepted? 

A. The authority of our Saviour Himself, 
Who accepted the repentance of the thief on the 
cross. 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PKAYKR. 107 

Q. By whom was this prayer added? 
A. By the American Reviewers. 



OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 

Q. What is the first thanksgiving? 

A. " The Thanksgiving of Women after Child- 
birth/' 

Q. Why is it proper to offer a special thanks- 
giving for this ? 

A. This being the greatest peril in which 
W'Oman's life is placed, it is proper to return 
thanks to Him Who hath been pleased to preserve 
her through it. 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving offered ? 

A. '' For Rain." 

Q. Why should we offer thanks for rain? 

A. As the want of rain is a great calamity, so 
the supply of it is one of our greatest blessings. 

Q. How long has it been the custom to offer 
thanks for rain ? 

A. From the earliest ages. 

Q. When was this thanksgiving added ? 

A. In the first year of King James the 1st. 



108 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. * For Fair Weather." 

Q. For what was the first altar, mentioned in 
the Bible, built ? 

A. To offer sacrifice to God, for the ceasing- 
of the waters. 

Q. What benefit do we still derive from tbp.t? 

A. God was then pleased to promise that tho 
earth should never again be visited by a flood. 

Q. When was this thanksgiving added ? 

A. In the first year of King James the 1st. 

Q For what is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. "For Plenty." 

Q. When was this added? 

A. In the first year of James the 1st. 

Q. Why do we not use it ? 

A. Because we set apart one day each year in 
which we offer thanks, "To Almighty God, for 
the fruits of the earth, and all the other blessings 
of His merciful providence." 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. "For Peace, and Deliverance from our 
Enemies." 

Q. What authority have we for thanking God 
for victory. 

A. When Abraham had conquered the four 
kings, he blessed the Most High God for deliver- 



OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 109 

iuo; his euemies into his hands. The sono- of 
Moses upon the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, 
and that of Deborah upon the conquest of Sisera, 
And Jehoshaphat after his great victory. 

Q. When was this added ? 

A. In the first year of James 1st. 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. " For Restoring Public Peace at Home." 

Q. When is this form to be used ? 

A. If the war has been raised by our fellow- 
citizens. 

Q. Why should we oflTer thanks for deliver- 
ance from our enemies whether foreign or domes- 
tic? 

A. First, because it is God who keeps us in 
peace, and secondly, when any tumults arise He it 
is Who doth allay them. 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. " For Deliverance from great Sickness and 
Mortality." 

Q. When was this added ? 

A. In the first year of James the 1st. 

Q. What is the next thanksgiving ? 

A. " For a Recovery from Sickness." 

Q. What reason is there for using these last 
two thanksgivings ? 

A. Life is one of the greatest of earthly bless- 



110 CATECHISM ON THE OCCASIONAL PRAYERS 

ings, and therefore the preservation of it should 
be acknowledged by the most solemn thanksgiv- 
ings. 

Q. For what is the next thanksgiving? 

A. '^For a Safe Return from Sea." 

Q. Why should there be a special thanksgiv- 
ing for this ? 

A. Having been placed apparently in more 
than ordinary danger, it is proper to acknowledge 
His merciful preservation through the same. 

Q. When were these last two thanksgivings 
added ? 

A. At the revision of the Prayer Book in this 
country. 




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CHURCH BOOK SOCIETY 



ASKS THE ATTENTION OF 

BEOTOIIS AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS 

TO THE 

GREATX.X EISTLARGED A^S^D IMPROVED, 

UNDER THE ABLE EDITORIAL MANAGEMENT 07 

MissMaria H. Bulfineh, 

Assisted by many of the best writers in the Church. 

"While so much of the popular literature for children is unhealthy 
and injurious in its effects, it is felt that this Society is called upon to 
furnish reading matter which shall be as attractive in form as to com- 
pete successfully with the lighter publications of the day, and, at the 
same time, so pure and vigorous in its Christian tone, that it shall be 
a powerful agent in the work of training the future men and women 
of the Church. 

In order to bring the Magazine within a reasonable price for distri- 
bution in Sunday Schools, the rates have been placed so low that it 
will take a circulation of many thousands to return the cost. 

4^Sample Copies will be sent free, on application. 

EATES, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. 

Single Copy $1.00 a year. 

6 Copies 4.50 " 

10 " 8.00 »* 

20 " 14.00 " 

30 " 18.00 " 

60 " 25.00 " 

And at this rate lor larger numbers. 

E. P. BUTTOlSr & CO., 

PuBLiSHiiTG Agents foe the Church Book Society, 
T13 BROAD WAIT, NEW- YORK. 



